The chakras are thought to vitalise the physical body and to be associated with interactions of a physical, emotional and mental nature. … The function of the chakras is to spin and draw in this energy to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health of the body in balance.

Chakra meditation is an advanced form of a spiritual practice for self-realisation. One can practice this if advised by your Guide, if any, or if you feel you are ready for the next step to explore spirituality. A seeker requires proper knowledge of the subject and the right technique to absorb the maximum from this advanced form of meditation. The knowledge of the chakras was first revealed by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati. It was then shared further by sages verbally to the competent ones.

It was much later that the knowledge was methodically documented in various Indian scriptures like the Upanishads for seekers to understand the astral design of the human body and as a way to channelise spiritual energy for attaining the Supreme Truth. One can see similar notations ambiguously mentioned in the Old Testament, Islamic religious books and Buddhism. These religious books indicate the presence of the seven chakras, the third eye and their importance in the awakening of the true self.

The Ancient masters clearly instruct us on who may qualify to practice chakra meditation. A seeker should mainly possess the three qualities of self-control, devotion to the Master and living a virtuous life. But, in today’s time, the reality has changed. These qualities are too much to demand from today’s man, who is busy and surrounded by materialistic forces. We cannot expect the above men-tioned pure qualities from anyone in the current time. Hence, one may still begin the chakra meditation under an authentic Guide if one wishes. As you progress on your spiritual path, you will notice changes in the surroundings and in your lifestyle as well. With time, under proper guidance and the right technique, it becomes easy and powerful.

There are many chakras in the human body, major as well as minor. They are present in the astral body. Generally, the practitioner is required to focus on seven major chakras. Each major chakra is respectively associated with many minor chakras in the body. Chakras are energy centres shaped in the form of a wheel. Each chakra releases energy vibrating at a specific frequency. They in turn release corresponding emotions defining the psychological and biological state of a person. All seven chakras operate at different levels of consciousness. Now, let us learn more about these chakras!

Spiritual energy travels through nādis in the human body. Nādis are thread-like structures within the entire human body running from head to toe. The earth energy enters the body through the feet and travels upwards to the head through the nādis. Each chakra further amplifies or diminishes the flow of the energy in the body based on the state of the chakra. Together the chakras and nādis keep circulating energies within a closed circuit in the human body.

Each chakra has a specific shape, location and state. Typically, chakras remain in three states in the body.

Impaired: lost shape and structure with minimal function,

Active: proper shape and structure with optimum function

Awakened: with all normal compositions, functioning with high spiritual vibrations. This state occurs when the body is filled with kundalini shakti (Serpent Power).

The seeker seeks to progress from the first state to the last in order to experience the higher states of the consciousness. Each chakra has a specific one letter beej mantr and an associated element.

Moolādhara, Lang, earth

Swādhisthana, Vang, water

Manipur, Rang, fire

Anāhata, Yang, air

Vishuddhi, Hang, space

Agneya, Aum, consciousness

Sahsrāra, ParaAum, Soul.

The first or root chakra possesses the latent kundalini shakti, which is a coiled-like structure possessing spiritual power. The latent Shakti is feminine, eager to unite with Shiv, the masculine component present in the brain as ling. Awakening of the first six chakras with the upsurge of kundalini power coalesces towards the last seventh chakra. Awakening of the last chakra occurs only by the Divine will. All other six chakras may get activated and awakened at any time, and not necessarily in a sequence.

The nature of kundalini differs from person to person. There is a systematic detailed mechanism of how the Shakti once awakened, spreads in the body and gushes upward till the region of Shiv (from the neck and above) is reached. Through Āgneya chakra, pineal gland gets awakened and through sahsrār chakra, the entire human brain is awakened to express the True Self. Here, you truly become an awakened, transformed being.

Having explained about the complex formation of chakras in brief, it is not at all mandatory for a seeker to have knowledge about the chakras. You may nevertheless still experience the higher spiritual states without practicing or knowing more about chakras. To breathe oxygen and to absorb it through the lungs, you don’t need to get familiarised with oxygen or have knowledge of it. Just breathe that’s it! Chakras are a part of the human consciousness and they will remain so.

You can’t manipulate and awaken the Shakti mentally. No one can pretend to be awakened at the chakra level. With the guidance and Grace of your Guide, you will experience the awakening of the kundalini power without meditating on it even once in your lifetime. Hence, keep patience, practice what you love and leave the rest to the Divine! Divine blessings will guide you.